Manchester City v Manchester Utd: Squad Sheets

This is it, game on, the big Manchester Derby. For the managers it will be their first, but for many of the players, they know the drill – talk big before the match starts, ask the fans to behave themselves, try to sow the seeds of doubt in the opposition, wind up the opposing star player, collect a mountain yellow cards during the game and then watch as one player comes up with a moment of inspiration that turns the match and helps his side to victory.

The 166th Manchester derby promises to be no less dramatic. Both sides have an equal number of points, are not top of the league and are dealing with inconsistent form. However, after victories for both teams in the Champions League this week, perhaps they will have awoken from their slumber. Let’s face it, if the thought of this game doesn’t get the players going, then who knows what will.

For Utd, they have a resurgent Wayne Rooney – he is getting back to the player he once was, and is starting to form a formidable partnership with Robin Van Persie. For City, the team is beginning to understand what new manager, Manuel Pellegrini expects from them and are starting to adapt to his style of play.

This game has drama written all over it, let’s hope it doesn’t disappoint.